Q and A bank

Question 1

According to STP - What are the 3 Golden rules to follow when applying foam?

Answer 1

1. Do not begin to apply foam unless you have enough to extinguish the fire or cover the fuel spill
2. Point branch away from fire until good finished foam is being produced
3. You cannot mix different foam concentrates

Question 2

According to STP - List 3 hazards/considerations when using CAFS at a structure fire.

Answer 2

1. CAFS hose lines have a build up of pressure when the branch is closed, this causes a larger jet reaction than a standard hose
2. Slug flow – When the proportion of foam, air and water is wrong. It will cause the finished foam to “shudder” or “pulsate” as it is exiting the branch
3. Does not contain enough water for internal attack

Question 3

According to STP - List 5 actions to take when combatting a natural gas leak with no fire involved.

Answer 3

1. Structural PPE and SCBA
2. Evacuate all persons from the immediate area
3. Remove all sources of ignition
4. Respond Gas company
5. Only use intrinsically safe equipment
6. Dampen ground around the site of the gas release to prevent static electricity
7. Keep protection line in place using fog
8. If possible, crimp line to stop release of gas

Question 4

According to STP - Acetylene is a very volatile gas, exploding cylinders can penetrate double brick walls or metal freight containers & land 200m away. How many hours after the cylinder is removed from the fire or heat source, if it is not cooled, can this explosion occur?

Answer 4

The explosion can occur up to 24 hours after the cylinder is removed from the fire or heat source, if it is not cooled

Question 5

According to STP - When reading a fire, we need indicators to base our decisions on, what are the most important indicators?

Answer 5

B - SAHF

Building - Construction style and materials.

Smoke - Colour, density, height of smoke layer/neutral plane, turbulence.

Air Track - how structure ventilation can change air track and influence fire behaviour.

Heat - signs of; blackening (rich conditions) or crazing (high temps) of windows, blistering paint, flame colour (yellow - well ventilated, reddish orange - less oxygen)

Flame colour is also an indicator of heat, yellow flames generally indicate a reasonable air supply. Reddish orange flames indicates less oxygen available.

NEVER RELY ON ONE INDICATOR - READ ALL SIGNS TOGETHER

Question 6

According to STP - What techniques enable us to control the interior environment during a structure fire?

Answer 6

Gas cooling - long and short pulses.
Controlling ventilation (closing doors to limit ventilation to fire)

Question 7

According to STP - List 2 common hose laying techniques that can be used by firefighters?

Answer 7

1. “S” Lay
2. Cleveland Load

Question 8

Complete the following in relation to the Fire and Rescue NSW Act 1989 Part 3, Division 1, Section 11 Brigades to proceed with speed to suspected fires or hazardous material incident………?

Answer 8

(1) When there is an alarm of fire, a fire brigade must, despite anything to the contrary in any Act, proceed with all speed to the fire and try by all possible means to extinguish it and save any lives and property that are in danger.

(2) When there is a report of a hazardous material incident, a fire brigade must, despite anything to the contrary in any Act—

(a) proceed with all speed to the site of the incident, and

(b) try by all possible means to render the site of the incident safe and save any lives and property that are in danger.

Question 9

Complete the following in relation to the Fire and Rescue NSW Act 1989 Part 3, Division 1, Section 12 of the FRNSW Act, Investigation of reported fires and Hazardous material incident………?

Answer 9

(1) The officer in charge may, with or without members of a fire brigade, enter any place—

(a) in respect of which an alarm of fire is raised to ascertain whether there is a fire at the place, or

(b) in respect of which a report of a hazardous material incident has been made to ascertain whether there is any hazardous material at the place that is, or is about to be, the subject of a hazardous material incident.

(2) Reasonable force, whether by breaking down gates or fences or breaking open doors or otherwise, may be used to gain entry.

Question 10

Section 13, of the FRNSW Act states the “General Powers of Officers at fires and hazardous material incidents”. State this provision.

Answer 10

(1) At a fire, the officer in charge—

(a) may take such measures as the officer thinks proper for the protection and saving of life and property and for the control and extinguishing of the fire, and

(b) is to control and direct the operations of any fire brigade.

(1A) At the site of a hazardous material incident, the officer in charge—
(a) may take such measures as the officer thinks proper for the protection and saving of life and property, for confining and ending the incident and for rendering the site safe, and

(b) is to control and direct the operations of any fire brigade.
The site is taken to be such area in the vicinity of the incident as is for the time being determined by the officer in charge.

(2) If the fire is a bush fire (including a grass fire), the officer in charge is, as far as practicable, to carry into effect any plan of operations in force under section 52 of the Rural Fires Act 1997 in relation to the place where the fire occurs.

(3) The following provisions of this Division are intended to be particular examples of the way in which functions under this section can be exercised and are not intended to limit the generality of this section.

Question 11

Section 19 of the FRNSW Act lists the powers at fires and hazardous material incidents. State the provisions of this Section: “General power to remove persons or obstacles.”

Answer 11

The officer in charge at a fire or hazardous material incident may cause to be removed any person, vehicle, vessel or thing the presence of whom or which at or near a fire or hazardous material incident might, in the officer’s opinion, interfere with the work of any fire brigade or the exercise of any of the officer’s functions.

Question 12

At an incident that has been declared a crime scene, a member of the public seeks details from you, the senior firefighter/officer on duty, about the incident. State your response according to the Fire Brigades Regulation (2014) Clause 22, Disclosure of information.

Answer 12

A firefighter must not disclose any information obtained in the firefighter’s capacity as a firefighter unless the disclosure is made—

(a) in the exercise of the firefighter’s functions, or

(b) about factual matters that are generally available to the public, or

(c) by an approved firefighter to media representatives concerning operations at a fire or other incident, or

(d) at the direction or with the permission of the Commissioner, or

(e) with other lawful excuse.

Question 13

Section 17 of the Fire Brigades Regulation (2014) refers to unacceptable behaviour. List five circumstances when a firefighter’s behaviour would be deemed unacceptable.

Answer 13

(1) A firefighter must not—

(a) come on duty while under the influence of alcohol or a drug, or

(b) while on duty, consume, use or possess any alcohol or drug, or
(c) while on duty, gamble in circumstances that adversely affect the discipline or efficiency of Fire and Rescue NSW, or

(d) smoke at a fire or drill, in any departmental premises or in any departmental vehicle, or

(e) smoke in any public place while in uniform, or

(f) while off duty, enter or remain on departmental premises without authority, or

(g) while on or off duty, by words or action, behave in a manner that is subversive of discipline or calculated to bring discredit on Fire and Rescue NSW, or

(h) while on duty, by words or action, harass, intimidate or threaten another firefighter, or

(i) while on duty, by words or action, harass or discriminate against any person on the grounds of sex, marital status, pregnancy, age, ethnic or national origin, physical or intellectual impairment, sexual preference, transgender status, carer’s responsibilities or any other ground in respect of which discrimination is prohibited by the Anti-Discrimination Act 1977.

Question 14

As stated in the Standing Orders, to avoid serious accidents at intersections when responding to an emergency, what actions should drivers of responding vehicles approaching a stop sign or red signal take?

Answer 14

…… must slow down and enter the intersection at a speed of not more than 8 kph. Having assessed the traffic conditions,
and determined that it is safe to proceed, the driver may then continue across the intersection.

Question 15

According to Standing Orders, when are seatbelts required to be worn when travelling in FRNSW vehicles (including tankers)?

Answer 15

All Fire and Rescue NSW employees are required to wear a seat belt, properly adjusted, when travelling in Fire and Rescue NSW vehicles. Any member travelling on a vehicle (including a water tanker) is to be seated inside the vehicle and must wear a seat belt.

Question 16

According to Standing Orders, with no impact of the service delivery, List the procedures to be followed if drivers of FRNSW vehicles are involved in an accident.

Answer 16

Station Commanders and supervisors must complete an Agency member motor vehicle claim form for all accidents involving Fire and Rescue NSW vehicles, including fire appliances, and submit it to their Duty Commander or manager with a covering memo explaining how the accident occurred.

The Duty Commander or manager must undertake an initial investigation of the accident to determine if any action is required.

The Agency member motor vehicle claim form must then be forwarded to the Fleet Management Unit who will process the insurance claim.

If the accident involved an injury, illness, exposure or near miss, a Notification of injury, illness, exposure or near miss form must also be submitted.

Question 17

Fire Brigades Regulation, Part 3, Section 14: Firefighters to acquire and maintain knowledge of legislation, orders, and functions. List the provisions.

Answer 17

(1) A firefighter must acquire and maintain a thorough knowledge of, and must comply with the requirements of, the Act, this Regulation and the Commissioner’s Orders.

(2) A firefighter must acquire and maintain the knowledge and skills that are relevant to the performance of the firefighter’s functions.

Question 18

According to STP -The National Construction Code classes buildings “Class 1” through to “Class 10”. The class of building is a measure of the buildings likely: List these four points.

Answer 18

Hazards and Risks
Fire Detection/Suppression Systems
Access/egress
Fire resistance

Question 19

According to the Fire Investigation toolkit on the Intranet, when should you request FIRU for assistance?

Answer 19

There has been a loss of life at a fire, or a person is not expected to live from their injuries, or

The fire is considered major (i.e. 4th Alarm or above, significant community impact or unusual fire behaviour), or

The Origin and Cause of the fire is not apparent.

Question 20

As listed in STP - What form populated by firefighters gives the Fire Investigator a summary of firefighter actions at an incident.

Answer 20

SOFA Form (Summary of Ovservations and Firefighter Actions)

Question 21

STP - Details how a structure fire will burn within one of two burning regimes. List and describe the regimes.

Answer 21

Fuel Controlled: Fire development is dictated by the characteristics (size, material, arrangement) and availability of the fuel in the fire compartment. There is more than enough O2 available for combustion.

Ventilation Controlled: Occurs during a fully developed fire. Fire is pyrolyzing more fuel than can be burnt with available air/O2. Fire growth is limited by the available air/O2 supply.

Question 22

STP - Identifies the search priority in multi story buildings, list the priorities.

Answer 22

Search priority starts at the fire floor, then floor above and then the top floor. Occupants in these areas are most at risk due to rising heat, smoke and fire gases.

Question 23

STP - Outlines when a working at a task/tactical level and a firefighter becomes trapped, injured missing or overdue. What message should be sent to draw attention to the situation?

Answer 23

Mayday Message: Press Emergency Button on radio and send mayday message.

Question 24

According to STP - When is an Incident Management System required to be used at incidents FRNSW attends?

Answer 24

Every incident FRNSW attends

Question 25

According to STP -There are eight strategic functions of command the Incident Commander needs to address. List all eight.

Answer 25

1. Deployment: Provide a steady, adequate and timely stream of appropriate resources, ensuring situational awareness of the location and function of each resource.
2. Command: Quickly establish incident command from the most effective position, to manage the incident from arrival of the first resource.
3. Situation evaluation: Collect and evaluate relevant information about the incident, to determine incident critical factors.
4. Incident action planning: Develop an incident action plan that addresses the critical factors.
5. Incident communications: Initiate and maintain effective incident communications.
6. Incident structure: Build an incident structure that is flexible and can be scaled up or down according to incident size and needs, and where functions and responsibilities can be delegated to maintain an effective span of control.
7. Review and revision: Once in operation, review and revise the strategy and plan, to ensure it keeps pace with changing incident needs.
8. Escalation and de-escalation: As additional officers or an Incident Management Team arrive, scale up the strategic level of the incident structure and further delegate functions. Once the incident is contained, conclude operations and hand over.

Question 26

According to STP - At every incident there must be a steady, adequate, and timely stream of resources. Who is the only person to deploy resources at an incident?

Answer 26

The Incident Commander (IC)

Question 27

A driver in a road tunnel noticed smoke coming from the engine compartment of their car and immediately pulled into the emergency break down bay and called 000. The Tunnel Control Centre closed the tunnel allowing attending fire crews access to
extinguish the fire. Peak hour traffic is starting to build at the entrance to the tunnel and thick smoke is throughout. List the Smoke Management Systems found in road tunnels that could assist in clearing the smoke?

Answer 27

• longitudinal ventilation (jet fans)
• ducted ventilation
• natural ventilation
• a combination of the above

Question 28

According to SOGs -As an incident develops and crews become fatigued, they will need to be rested. Name and describe the two ways crews can be rested.

Answer 28

*Level 1 Rehab – recommended for small incidents not requiring the response of a specialist incident ground rehabilitation capability. Level 1 Rehab uses equipment carried on front line firefighting appliances. Generally, the Incident Controller (IC) manages Level 1 Rehab.

*Level 2 Rehab – recommended for:
− long duration incidents
− in circumstances where crew rotation is limited
− hot and dry, or cold and wet, conditions
− where working conditions are arduous
− where breathing apparatus usage and rotation is high, or
− where conditions are such that specialist incident ground rehabilitation capabilities are required.
Generally, the IC appoints a dedicated Rehabilitation Officer for these incidents.

Question 29

According to SOGs - List and describe the three incident phases.

Answer 29

Life at risk phase – there are savable human lives. Incident is uncontrolled and requires rapid actions to control risks to lives. A
higher level of risk may be acceptable.

Expanding phase – incident is likely to expand beyond accepted limits. Incident is uncontrolled and requires rapid actions to control
risks to lives and property. Some level of risk may be acceptable.

Contained phase – there are sufficient resources to contain
incident within a defined area. There is no life at risk, or lives and
property are already lost. Risk must be minimised as much as
practicable.

Question 30

According to Standing Orders who are the people authorised to ride on FRNSW appliances?

Answer 30

• firefighters in the course of their duty;
• employees of Fire and Rescue NSW whose duty requires their attendance at an emergency;
• members of other emergency services at the discretion of the member in charge; or
• other persons authorised by the Commissioner.

The member in charge of an appliance is responsible for enforcing this instruction.

Question 31

According to STP - List and describe three ways foam controls and extinguishes fire.

Answer 31

• Excluding the fire’s supply of oxygen (smothering)
• Suppressing flammable vapours to stop them from igniting
• Cooling the surface temperature to prevent re-ignition

Question 32

According to STP – What are the characteristics of liquid petroleum gas?

Answer 32

ODOURLESS

COLOURLESS

HEAVIER THAN AIR

Question 33

According to STP - What is the term used when a liquid within a container reaches a temperature well above its boiling temperature, boils, expands and the container fails sending flammable gas outwards where it ignites.

Answer 33

B.L.E.V.E = Boiling Liquid Expanding Vapour Explosion

Question 34

According to STP - What can be used to conduct a thermal check of an acetylene cylinder.

Answer 34

TIC
Infrared thermometer
Wetting test

Question 35

Expand the Acronym - SISIACMR

Answer 35

S Safe approach
Approach the incident safely.

I Incident Control
* Consider whether there is a need to use mobile phone for communication, to maintain security or privacy.
* Have FireCOM advise agencies as required.

S Scene security
* Assemble all exposed people for decontamination and medical assessment.
* For indoor incidents, shut down air-conditioning and other air-circulation systems.

I Identify hazardous materials
* Identify by UN number, Dangerous Goods (DG) Class, manifests, or onsite specialists.
* Sample unidentified substances using suspicious substance sampling procedures.

A Assess the potential harm
Consider:
* Quantity of the material.
* Physical properties – liquid, powder, gas, airborne particles, seed, animal.
* Infectious properties or invasiveness of the material.

C Call for resources
* Contact FireCOM to seek specialist advice from FRNSW Hazmat, the appropriate agency, facility managers, and manufacturers.
* Depending upon the biohazard, notify the following agencies:
− NSW Health – all incidents, especially human material or material infectious to humans.
− Department of Primary Industries – animal or plant material, material infectious to plants or animals, all threats to biosecurity, including waste disposal.
− NSW Police – any suspected criminal or terrorist activity.
− NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA) – for the disposal of contaminated waste of human origin.

M Monitor information
* Consider weather updates.
* Record exposure of emergency services personnel and the public.
* Liaise with property owners and cargo owners, transport companies, and other agencies.

R Render safe and decontaminate
Render safe according to the biohazard. For example:
* Contain the spread of the biohazard to the smallest area practicable and absorb with appropriate materials.
* Avoid unnecessarily disturbing materials until identified. Minimise the creation of dust and aerosols. Avoid contact with puddles and spills.
* Cover the damaged package or spilled material with a damp cloth. Use disinfecting or neutralising agents under specialised advice only.
* Prevent animals, birds and insects from reaching the biohazard.
* Quarantine infected animals for transportation. Seek expert advice.
* Follow the Hazmat Action Guide, call for expert advice, and follow procedures indicated in transport documentation.

Decontaminate according to the nature of the contaminant. Refer to SOG 10.4, Decontamination. For example:
* Use misting sprays, then bag and tag PPC and duty wear. Wash face and hands with soap and water.
* Remove all contamination from the undersides of boots especially treads.
* Wash or disinfect vehicles, particularly undersides, tyre treads and wheel arches.
Maintain hygiene for infection control – ie wash hands with soap and water on leaving the Hot Zone, after handling animals or equipment, and before eating or leaving the incident.

Question 36

According to STP - What is the most suitable extinguishing agent for rubber fires?

Answer 36

Water

Question 37

According to STP -There are several stages of Lithium-Ion battery failure list and describe the stages.

Answer 37

Stage 1 Abuse factor- thermal, electrical or mechanical abuse.
Stage 2 Off gas generation- occurs regardless of cell form factor.
Stage 3 Smoke generation- Catastrophic failure is imminent.
Stage 4 Fire generation- likelihood of propagation drastically increases.

STP #02 Special Fires. (Bulk Storage Dust Cladding Plastic Metal and Rubbish Fires) PowerPoint

Question 38

According to the Workplace Safety toolkit on the intranet, what should you complete when a work-related injury, near miss, exposure or illness occurs and in what timeframe after the occurrence should it be submitted?

Answer 38

A NIIENM form and it should be submitted within 24 hours of occurrence.

Question 39

According to the toolkit on the intranet - If you are unable to submit or fill out a NIIENM who else can submit one for you?

Answer 39

Your supervisor or your co-worker can submit a NIIENM on your behalf.

Question 40

In New South Wales, Emergency Services carry out land-based rescues under what Act?

Answer 40

SERM Act 1989 (Fire & Rescue NSW Act 1989 for rescues involving fire or HAZMAT)

Question 41

As stated in the SERM Act,1989 who is responsible for coordinating rescue operations and for determining the priorities of action to be taken in rescue operations?

Answer 41

The NSW Police Force is responsible for coordinating rescue operations and for determining the priorities of action to be taken in rescue operations.

Question 42

According to STP - FRNSW uses the YOU principle to establish priorities of safety at a rescue incident. What are these priorities of safety?

Answer 42

Yourself and other rescuers

Other persons not involved (bystanders)

Unfortunate person(s) involved

Question 43

According to STP -What is the correct PPC and procedure for fire protection at an MVA?

Answer 43

• One firefighter to wear full structural turnout PPC and SCBA.
• A manned line of 38mm hose charged to 400kPa, pump with recirculation valve open.
• If a fire occurs, charge to 800kPa at the pump to achieve 700 kPa at the branch.

Question 44

According to STP - What environments should SCBA be worn in?

Answer 44

HOTS
Heated or extremely low temperatures
Oxygen deficient or enriched environment
Toxic atmospheres
Smoke

Question 45

Owners and occupiers of premises can deposit keys at their nearest fire station so that firefighters can gain access without causing unnecessary damage. Located in the Forms filing cabinet on the intranet, name the two forms that need to be completed when receiving keys to private premises.

Answer 45

Deposit of Keys
Keys to Private Premises

Question 46

As stated in the Health, Fitness and Wellbeing Toolkit- What is it a mandatory requirement to complete prior to undertaking the annual Fitness Drill?

Answer 46

A Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PARQ)

Question 47

According to Operations Bulletin 2020-04 - Failure to report damage. When an appliance is found to have unreported damage, the Fleet Operations Officer or Regional Maintenance Officer will notify the Station, Duty, and Zone Commander in writing. The responsible station must submit what form within 8 days?

Answer 47

Agency Member Motor Vehicle Claim Form

Question 48

According to the Fire ePermit policy, a fire permit issued within the ‘Bush Fire Danger’ period will be valid for a period of how many days from the date of issue?

Answer 48

Bushfire Danger Period = 7 days maximum
Outside Bushfire Danger Period = 14 days maximum

Question 49

According to the Fire ePermit policy, what aspect of the planned fire does the permit take into account.

Answer 49

A fire permit takes into account only the safety aspect of the planned fire.

Question 50

According to STP - Where should Warden Intercom Points be in a building?

Question 51

According to STP, name the components in an AS 2118.1 sprinkler alarm valve room.

Answer 51

(1) Main stop valve
(2) Test drain
(3) Sprinkler test facility
(4) Sprinkler alarm valve
(5) System pressure gauge
(6) Deluge valve
(7) Water supply with water supply pressure gauge

Question 52

According to STP, there are two control measures when dealing with live power at an incident. List and describe them.

Answer 52

Turning off power: Firefighters turn off the main switch, removing fuses and switching off circuit breakers at the switchboard.

Isolating Power: Energy Authority disconnects power from the network.

Question 53

According to STP - Firefighters can ‘turn off’ a solar power system to stop electricity feeding into the structure’s circuits or back to the electricity network if configured to do so. State the recommended procedure.

Answer 53

1. On-site consultation: determine whether it is appropriate to turn solar power system off and how best to do so
2. Assume switchboard is live: Don electrical safety gloves then over-gloves. Have your helmet visor down and look away
3. Follow the shutdown procedure: This may be on or near the switchboard or inverter. If not found, turn off the inverter main switch then turn off the solar panel main switch
4. Consider if benefits outweigh risks:
   Restrict work as far as reasonably practical to that required to protect life or prevent dangerous expansion of the incident
5. Isolate the power: If required, have the owner/occupier contact their electrician to isolate the power

Question 54

According to STP -When a battery energy storage system is present at a residence, there should be an indicator to alert you to this. What is an example of an indicator, located outside the switchboard.

Answer 54

An ES (energy storage) sticker- outside the switchboard

Question 55

Operations Bulletin 2023-01- Lists operational actions to follow when dealing with Lithium-ion battery failure in small devices. List these actions.

Answer 55

• Establish a Hot Zone outside of any smoke or vapour cloud or a minimum distance of 3 metres (whichever is greater) around the small device containing a damaged Lithium-ion battery or cell.
• Assume that the damaged battery is energised and that DC, AC (charging equipment) or both voltages may be present. Wear electrical PPE if turning off power or when the risk of electric shock exists in low voltage circuits up to 650 V. Note: FRNSW non-contact voltage detectors do not detect DC electricity.
• Wear Level 1 PPE where vapours, gas, or smoke are present.
• Use only clean water – salt water may cause electrolysis with micro-bubbling of gas.
• If the battery is in a compartment, follow standard firefighting guidelines for managing the atmosphere and to minimise extreme fire behaviour from the ignition of flammable gases. Conduct atmospheric monitoring with a four head gas detector for LELs.
• Wear chemical resistant gloves if moving or touching a cooled damaged battery. Due to the risk of secondary ignition, store a damaged battery in an open area a minimum of 3 metres from flammable or combustible items, or exposures.
• Inform the IC if anyone at the incident is exposed to gases, vapours, electrolytes, smoke, or any other by-product from a damaged battery. Seek medical advice – the exposed person may need to be transported to hospital for assessment and treatment.
• Due to possible hazardous materials and toxic products of combustion, monitor water runoff and decontaminate personal protective equipment including clothing.
• Complete a site handover form and communicate the hazards remaining at the site including those additional hazards associated with the damaged lithium-ion battery.
• On return to station, complete a NSW Fair Trading Notification Form and forward it to firu@fire.nsw.gov.au. This report should include photos and model/serial numbers.
• eAIRS should be completed ensuring that a battery related code is selected under
  ‘Material Ignited First’, ‘Ignition Source’ and/or ‘Cause Determination’.

Question 56

According to STP - If solar panels, or the attached isolators, are on fire, in addition to the considerations with turning off an alternative power source what actions should firefighters take?

Answer 56

• Conduct firefighting from the ground or an aerial appliance. Do not get onto the roof to extinguish the fire. Do not put a ladder against the roof as the gutter may be
  electrified.
• Extinguish the fire with a spray nozzle, using a pulse spray in a dispersed patternIf the solar panel is at ground level, consider using CO2 to extinguish the fire, ensuring
  that there is at least 250 mm air gap between the CO2 extinguisher nozzle and any electrified components.
• NSW Fair Trading notification form to be completed at completion of incident

Question 57

According to STP - Overhaul is a procedure we follow after we attend an incident and extinguish the fire. For your safety during overhaul what is it essential for you to do?

Answer 57

Before you start the overhaul operation, you must consider all the danger factors carefully for the protection of personnel.

Conditions that make a building dangerous post fire include:

• Floors that have been weakened by the burning away of the floor joists.
• Concrete that has weakened by the heat of the fire.
• Steel roof members that have been weakened by fire and building damage.
• Walls that have been cracked or offset by elongations of steel roof supports.
• Roof trusses that have been weakened by burn-through of key members.
• Excess loading due to the retention of water.

Question 58

According to STP - What is the minimum PPE that can be worn at a bush fire?

Answer 58

Multi-purpose helmet
Goggles
Multi-purpose Jacket
GP gloves
Firefighting Gloves (Direct attack)
Duty wear trousers
FF boots
P2

Question 59

According to STP - Property protection is the act of protecting property from the impact of a wildfire. At a major wildfire, FRNSW crews generally engage in property protection roles. We generally have 3 strategies for carrying out property protection. Name and describe them.

Answer 59

Line Defence: A line defence is used when conditions would normally allow an offensive attack but there are not enough units to mount an offensive attack in time. It involves preventing the approaching line of fire from closely approaching the property. Stay mobile - be able to relocate quickly.

Ember Defence: An ember defence is used when the approaching line of fire is too intense to be suppressed by offensive means and is producing significant ember attack. It involves extinguishing small fires that occur in and around buildings, when and as they occur.
Firefighters operate from safe positions behind suitable shielding from the main fire front and pull back to safer refuge if needed.

Backstop Defence: A backstop defence is used when there is no safe defensible space around buildings and/or the approaching fire is so intense that firefighters cannot safely protect the buildings during the impact of the fire. Firefighters withdraw temporarily a short distance away to a suitable safe refuge, with the intention of coming back after the fire front passes. After the main fire front subsides, they move forward to put out the property on fire.

Question 60

Operations Bulletin 2023-01- Lists the hazards and risks at incidents involving Lithium-ion batteries in small devices. List all as stated in the bulletin.

Answer 60

*Thermal runaway.
* Extreme fire behaviour.
* Release of toxic vapour and gases.
* Hazardous materials and leaked electrolytes.
* Stranded energy.
* Projectiles.
* Secondary ignition.

Question 61

As described in STP - When conducting ventilation using a fan, what is the most effective inlet/outlet ratio?

Answer 61

1:4 - (Inlet:Outlet)

Question 62

According to SOGs - When an LPG container is involved in fire, what area of the container is considered most crucial and a high priority area for cooling?

Answer 62

The container’s vapour space (area above the liquid). Cool using spray not jet.

Question 63

As recommended in STP - When conducting ventilation with a fan, the fan should be set back approximately how far from the door.

Answer 63

The height of the door.

Question 64

According to Work Instruction- “Bagging contaminated gear” What equipment is required for bagging contaminated gear (not PPC) at an incident to minimise the risk presented by hazardous contaminants during storage or transport?

Answer 64

• The appropriate bag for the type of contaminant:
  − Asbestos containment bags where asbestos is a suspected contaminant.
  − Yellow clinical waste bags for waste produced from providing first aid.
  − Clear contaminated gear bags for other contaminants, including smoke.
• Cable ties or strong tape to seal the bags.
• A contaminated equipment tag to attach to the bag with relevant details.

Question 65

You are responded to a bushfire with four Fire Rescue NSW pumpers two RFS tankers and one inspector, according to SOGs what class is the fire?

Answer 65

Class 1
A fire under the control of the responsible fire authority, whether or not incidental/low level assistance is provided by other agencies.

Question 66

According to the guideline support document for electricity SOGs - Electrical transformers in high density areas of cities maybe situated in underground vaults, if a fire occurs in one of these vaults, CO2 can be injected via a wall mounted or footpath CO2 connection box. What does the number on the connection box indicate?

Answer 66

The number of CO2 cylinders required to be injected is indicated on the connection box.

Question 67

According to the guideline support document for electricity SOGs - What factors affect voltage gradient at wires down?

Answer 67

• Composition of the ground – eg concrete, road surface, soil
• Moisture content
• Voltage of the electrical source

Question 68

According to the guideline support document for electricity SOGs - Conductors allow electricity to easily pass through them. List five conductors.

Answer 68

• Metals (eg copper, aluminium, steel) – including ladders, fences, guttering, roofing
• Human body
• Timber and trees
• Flame and dense smoke
• Vehicle tyres
• Some fire extinguishing mediums
• Wet or dirty rope
• Water – including hose lines

Question 69

According to the guideline support document for electricity SOGs - Name four measures to control the risks associated with electricity.

Answer 69

• Stay away from the hazard. Always regard it as live until you know otherwise.
• Assess the risks from at least 8 metres away from the hazard.
• If suspected to be electrically hazardous, establish an Exclusion Zone.
• Have the electricity company isolate power.
• When leaving the incident site, if possible, provide information to the owner or other responsible person on the hazards still present at the site and the control measures in place.

Question 70

As listed on the SIMS Worksheet: Electrical safety kit - State the inventory stored in the green canvas bag of the electrical safety kit.

Answer 70

• 1 x pair of insulating gloves
• 1 x pair of leather overgloves
• 1 x electrical safety kit bag
• 2 x non-contact AC voltage detectors, either Modiewark
  Rescue or GLM Mini Rescue

Question 71

According to Recommended practice - When using the gloves from the electrical safety kit, what is the correct donning sequence?

Answer 71

• Put on electrical gloves first.
• Put over-gloves on over the electrical gloves to protect the electrical glove from
  damage.
• The cuff of the electrical glove must extend beyond the cuff of the over-glove.
• The cuff of the electrical glove must be above the cuffs and sleeves of your
  PPC.

Question 72

According to SOGs - FRNSW has an interagency notification policy, list the reasons NSW Police are required to be notified.

Answer 72

• Possible terrorist incident
• Crime investigation
• Site, crowd, traffic and evacuation management
• Rescue incidents

Question 73

You are responded to fire in a Correctional facility, centre or complex operated by government agencies or private contractors. As stated in FRNSW SOGs on arrival what actions should be taken?

Answer 73

• Identify and liaise with the Emergency Coordinator.
• While waiting to enter, start developing the IAP by accessing information – eg pre-incident plans, SOGs, and utilities.
• Where entry to the facility is delayed, nominate a staging area and advise FireCOM to inform responding resources. Remain in the staging area until met by the Emergency Coordinator. Notify FireCOM if entry is delayed.

Always remain outside facility on standby if it is unsafe to enter.

• At the main entry, access the Red Fire Emergency Plan Box containing the FRNSW pre-incident plan, safety data sheets folder, site plans, and Local Emergency Plans (LEPs) and brief crew about the facility.
• Prepare the appliance and secure equipment before entering the facility. List all equipment to be taken in.

Question 74

According to the Preventing and Managing Unreasonable Behaviour and Bullying Policy, what is the definition of workplace bullying?

Answer 74

Workplace bullying is repeated and unreasonable behaviour directed towards a worker or a group of workers that creates a risk to health and safety.

Question 75

According to the ‘Firefighter’ role description found on the Intranet, list 5 Duties/Accountabilities required in this role.

Answer 75

• Contribute to the station’s community prevention, risk reduction planning and engagement programs and activities
• Attend fire and other emergency incidents providing expert knowledge and assistance commensurate with rank
• Contribute to the Station’s operational readiness, including the maintenance of appliances, tools and equipment
• Assist with investigations into the cause of fires
• Support the Station Officer in actions to achieve FRNSW’s goals of protecting life, property and other initiatives under the Plus Plan
• Undertake station duties including the completion of records, reports, correspondence and returns to facilitate the general running of the station

Question 76

According to STP - What guidelines should be followed when tasking crews at a residential structure fire?

Answer 76

• Firefighter safety
• Single residence or multiple occupancy
• Likely occupant location known or unknown
• Time of day
• Fire location
• Likely floorplan

Question 77

According to STP -What is recommended configuration for relay pumping operation?

Question 78

According to STP – ‘Fire Safety and Investigation’ there are four classifications of cause. Name and describe them.

Answer 78

• Natural: A fire caused without human intervention or action, such as fires resulting form lightning, earthquake, wind and flood.
• Accidental: Fires for which the proven cause does not involve an intentional human act to ignite or spread the fire into an area where a fire should not be.
• Incendiary: A fire that is intentionally ignited in an area where and when there should not be a fire.
• Undetermined: The cause of the fire cannot be proven to an acceptable level of certainty.

Question 79

Whilst participating in a community event at the local oval and armed offender attack occurs. According to SOGs, what actions should you take?

Answer 79

Escape
 If possible, remove yourself and others from the offender or areas they might access.
 Consider removing or leaving cumbersome equipment so you can move quickly.
 If safe to do so, snatch and grab casualties when exiting. Do not stop to provide first aid.

Hide
 If you can’t safely escape, consider sheltering in place.
 Mute communications equipment, including private mobile phones – do not turn off phones so you can receive texts.
 Constantly re-assess the situation and your options.

Tell
 If possible, pass information to FireCOM or Police – but never risk your own or other’s safety.

Question 80

According to SOGs - There are many duties of the BA Control Operator, list five.

Answer 80

• Establish BA Control as close to the entry/exit point as possible.
• Check and enter all details on the BA Control Board.
• Ensure that BA team members are identified by a call sign determined by the incident communications plan.
• Calculate and monitor entry and exit times.
• Monitor all radio communications within the sector.
• When exit time is reached:
  − Immediately contact the individual wearer or BA team leader.
  − If unable to contact, notify their Commander.
  − Activate the RIT immediately when required and notify the IC.
• Indicate to exiting BA crews the locations of the BA staging area and
  Rehabilitation Area.
• Provide updates to their Commander as required. A second radio transceiver may be required for communicating on the tactical channel.
• Ensure BA Control Boards clearly show when extended duration BA (EDBA) is in use. This is indicated by the red tag from the EDBA twin manifold being attached to the wearer’s yellow tally on the board.
• Ensure BA Control Boards clearly show when aerial appliance operators are wearing BA.
• Ensure BA Control Boards clearly show when extension facemasks are in use:
  − With air trolley BA (ATBA).
  − On aerial appliances.
  − With auxiliary facemask from another BA set.
  − With an extension airline from a standalone BA set.

NOTE
When auxiliary facemasks are used, two operators breathe from the
one BA set. BACOs must at least halve estimated operating times
recorded on the BA Control Board.

• Notifying the IC or Sector/Group Commander if they require assistance.

Question 81

According to Firefighters Training Manual - The numbers relayed back from FireCOM for the Hazmat Action Guide (HAG) sheet are used to determine PPE, form, hazards, effect with water, action, firefighting, and personnel decontamination. TX at the end of the transmission means there is text. What does the text usually refer to?

Answer 81

ThisTX or text usually relates to Additional Personal Protection (APP).

Question 82

According to SOGs - What can P2 particle masks be used to protect against?

Answer 82

• Known low concentrations of inert dust, such as those produced when cutting metal or wood.
• Concrete, stone and masonry cutting operations where the work piece can be kept wet.
• The particles, but not the gases such as CO, in bushfire smoke.
• Contamination by body fluids.

Question 83

According to SOGs - At any incident, the Incident Commander will consider the incident phase and the risk that may be accepted. Describe the life at risk phase.

Answer 83

Life at risk phase, where there are savable human lives. The incident is uncontrolled and requires rapid actions to control the risks to lives. A higher level of risk may be acceptable.

Question 84

According to Firefighters Training Manual -You attend a house fire at 2am and on arrival notice a small amount of smoke issuing from the ground level of a 2-storey residence. Two cars are parked in the driveway. What three principles should you keep in mind when forcing entry?

Answer 84

• enter without undue delay;
• enter with the minimum of structural
  damage; and
• enter so as to provide access to as
  much of the building as possible.

FIREFIGHTERS TRAINING MANUAL TOPIC 2 SECTION 9 PAGE 3

Question 85

According to SOGs -You respond to a building fire and the contaminated run-off/pollutant is impacting a canal that runs into a creek. Which agencies are you required to notify?

Question 86

According to SOGs - What are the three basic principles for communication at incidents?

Answer 86

(a) to use the principles of ICS and ensure an effective span of control;

(b) to establish a flow of information at all levels of the incident, without overwhelming the IC or ComCen with superfluous data; and

(c) to ensure the safety of firefighters by using effective communication.

Question 87

According to SOGs - Emergency Response Teams have varying levels of skills, equipment, and training. Depending on the hazards involved, the IC must determine, from Pre-Incident Planning and discussion with the Emergency Response Team Leader, their role at an incident. Name three activities Emergency Response Team can participate in.

Answer 87

• Specialist advice to the IC relating to hazards, industrial processes and installed fire systems.
• Operation of valves and other industrial processes.
• Fire attack under the control of NSWFB officers.

Question 88

SOGs describe how to de-escalate an incident. What is de-escalation?

Answer 88

De-escalation is the scaling back of both strategic and tactical levels. Resources are scaled back and delegated functions are handed back to the IC. The IC may handover command to another officer.

Question 89

According to SOGs - The Emergency Control Organisation may consist of people identified by coloured helmets, hats, caps, vests, or tabards. Name the members and the identifying colour.

Answer 89

White = Chief warden, Deputy warden & Communications officer

Yellow = Floor warden & Area warden

Red = Warden

White cross on green background = First aid officer

Question 90

What are the correct meanings for the numerical codes:

Answer 90

• Code 1 = Responding to an incident or move-up – should include a clarification when the appliance is travelling under normal road conditions.
• Code 2 = Call off (sent by FireCOM).
• Code 3 = On scene at incident or move-up station (state location/address).
• Code 4 = Available for response. If not returning to station, give destination, eg FireCOM, Pumper 53, Code 4, returning to stand by at 60 Station.
• Code 5 = Returned to station. If you have returned to a station other than your home station, give your location, eg FireCOM, Pumper 53, Code 5 at 60 Station. A Code 5 can be given to FireCOM by telephone.
• Code 6 = Incident in Rural Fire District.
• Code 7 = Unavailable for response – state reason and transmit Code 4 immediately when available.

Question 91

You are completing a pre-incident plan for an occupancy located within your station area. Your priorities are confirming correct keys and swipe cards, along with updating information for the MDT. The SO directs you to inspect the Fire Control Room. According to the SOGs, What features are included in a Fire Control Room?

Answer 91

A Fire Control Room is usually at or below ground level.
Features include:
* a fire isolated room with a 2-hour fire rating and separate ventilation
* two exit points, to the front of the building and directly into a fire exit
* Fire Indicator Panel
* Fire Fan Control Panel
* Master Emergency Control Panel
* controls for fire pumps
* Security Alarm and Control Panels
* telephone (direct line outside)
* whiteboard, corkboard and plan table
* Tactical Fire Plans (maps and schematics).

STRUCTURE FIRES SOG No. 4.14 PAGE 1

Question 92

You are attending an incident at a large cold storage facility. Your SO has directed you to cut into an Insulated Sandwich Panel (ISP). Prior to cutting the ISP, you conduct a risk assessment. According to the SOGs, list the important issues to consider?

Answer 92

Cutting insulated sandwich panels
Before cutting any ISP, conduct a risk assessment. Important issues to consider include:
* if there is sufficient time and resources available.
* leaked refrigerant gas which may be pocketed behind panels or in ducting
* electrical wiring or refrigerant gas pipes that may be located behind the panels
* the potential to generate sparks that could ignite flammable refrigerant gas or ESP panel cores
* Weakening of the structure when multiple panels are cut.
* An increase in fire activity due to the introduction of air;
Have a charged line of hose in place for protection before cutting ISPs.
(Additional information contained in GSD Section 5)

STRUCTURE FIRES SOG NO. 4.16 PAGE 3

Question 93

You are attending a 3rd Alarm structure fire and note the current incident commander is being overwhelmed by radio messages. According to SOGs, following span of control rules, what is the optimal amount an individual resources you should communicate with?

Answer 93

Span of control – having an individual ideally supervise no more that 5 people (a 1:5 ratio), with variation of 1:3 to 1:7, depending upon the activity, geography, or nature of the incident.

Question 94

It is the responsibility of the Incident Commander (IC) to ensure that in general, each tactical priority has been addressed, according to the SOGs, involving structure fires the IC should consider how many sides of the fire?

Answer 94

Consider the “seven sides” of the fire: front, rear, both sides, top, bottom and inside.

Question 95

On arrival at an incident, you observe the EWIS is operating. Upon closer inspection you note it has defects. According to the SOGs, what actions should you take?

Answer 95

If any defects are noted, advise the NSWFB Fire Safety Division to have the matter investigated. Do not initiate any action yourself.

Question 96

You attend a Hazmat incident involving Phosgene, you appreciate the importance of correct spelling of a substance when transmitting messages to Comms. You are requested to relay the message using the phonetic alphabet. What is the correct phonetic alphabet transmission for Phosgene?

Answer 96

Papa, Hotel, Oscar, Sierra, Golf, Echo, November, Echo

Question 97

An MVA has occurred between a truck and two cars requiring the attendance of a rescue unit, the MVA has occurred on the M5 Motorway in the GSA. There are multiple emergency services within NSW that are responsible for rescue incidents. According to SOGs, who determines which emergency service will send a rescue unit to this rescue incident?

Answer 97

Police (Police Rescue Coordinator)

Question 98

Fumigation is a process of applying a pesticide chemical to a sealed area for a period, generally to treat insects or other vermin. The pesticide is applied in gas form (or a state that produces a gas) to the area. According to SOGs if a firefighter is exposed to chemicals at a fumigation what actions need to be taken on arrival back at station?

Answer 98

On return to station:
 Have the firefighter shower and dress in clean clothing.
 Record the exposure in the Occurrence Book and eAIRS report.
 Ensure that Notification of Injury, Illness, Exposure or Near-Miss (NIIENM) form is completed.

Question 99

According to SOGs - FRNSW priorities guide the strategy and incident action plan (IAP) for the incident. What are our priorities at an incident?

Answer 99

− To save and protect lives.
− To prevent the incident from expanding beyond a deliberately chosen boundary.
− To minimise further consequences of the incident on the community.

Question 100

According to FRNSW fatigue management procedure permanent firefighters, what is the recommended consecutive hours break taken after completion of their second 24-hour shift, prior to recall, part change of shift or any other overtime in order to minimise fatigue risk.

Answer 100

Breaks between rostered shifts must be at least eight hours

Question 101

According to the clean firefighter policy describe onsite decontamination.

Answer 101

 Onsite decontamination occurs as people and equipment leave the Hot Zone to recycle, when entering rehabilitation, or when leaving the incident. All people and equipment that have been in the Hot Zone are considered to have been exposed to contaminants and require decontamination.

 The aim of decontamination is to ensure zero exposure for firefighters, with all contaminates removed and left at the incident, where possible. All PPE, including boots, require cleaning before leaving the incident.

 All breathing apparatus need to be cleaned after exposure to reduce contamination by carcinogens. See recommended practice - Breathing apparatus – Draeger (sect 6.4.12)

 Helmets are to be cleaned on-scene and then contained (bagged and tagged) in accordance with the relevant helmet recommended practice.

Question 102

According to the Toolkit on the intranet during a bushfire with CFUs. List the roles and responsibilities of CFU members.

Answer 102

CFU members, must follow instructions and actions contained in the joint FRNSW/NSW RFS Fire Danger Rating brochure and the Bushfire Survival Plan.
CFUs are not permitted to activate in areas where the FDR is ‘catastrophic’.
If the FDR is ‘extreme’, CFU members should only activate if their houses are specifically designed and constructed for bushfires. In all cases, CFU members must follow their Bushfire Survival Plan and CFU policies.
CFUs decide, in accordance with the FDR, their Bushfire Survival Plan and CFU policies, whether they will activate to defend their properties from spot fires and ember attack if bushfire threatens. CFUs who decide to activate call 1300 238 000
(1300 CFU 000). They are then logged as active in FireCAD.

CFU members who have activated undertake the following activities in their area of operation:
* Prior to the arrival of the fire front – prepare their properties and extinguish spot fires in their area of activity.

• As the fire front approaches – take shelter until the fire front has safely passed.
• Once the fire front has passed – assist with mop up and recovery in their area of activity.
• CFU members must not engage in direct firefighting attack on a bushfire – CFU members are not trained, equipped or permitted to do so.
• CFU members must not undertake internal firefighting or major external structural firefighting – CFU members are not trained, equipped or permitted to do so.

Question 103

According to SOGs - A medical emergency access incident is an actual or probable situation where either the Police Rescue Coordinator or the Ambulance Service of NSW (ASNSW) Communication Centre Manager considers serious. What do they consider a person at risk of if access is not gained quickly?

Answer 103

“further serious injury or death”

Question 104

According to FRNSW Alcohol and other drugs policy, workers must not be in the workplace with a blood alcohol concentration of how many grams or above of alcohol per 210 litres of breath.

Answer 104

0.02 grams per 210L breath

Question 105

According to STP - What actions should you take upon noticing signs of structural collapse?

Answer 105

• Notify all personnel in the collapse zone
• Notify SO/ Sector commander
• Evacuate premises
• Set up exclusion zone
• Use appropriate water streams

Question 106

According to SOGs - Radio codes for automatic fire alarms (AFAs) are used by the Incident Commander (IC) to send an incident completed (Stop) message to FireCOM at the conclusion of an AFA-reported incident. When AFA call is to an actual fire – i.e., one which FRNSW has been alerted to by the activation of an AFA or manual call point. What is required to be reported to FireCOM?

Answer 106

100

Question 107

According to SOGs - Safety is paramount at all bushfires. A safety briefing must be completed and communicated to firefighters. Firefighters should constantly review LACES. Describe each letter of the acronym LACES.

Answer 107

Lookouts — you must look out and ensure that you have a clear appreciation of current fire behaviour, and the location and size of the fire in relation to the CFU team location.

Awareness — you must be aware of what is happening around you, including the impact of changes in fire behaviour caused by variations to fuel, weather and topography as well as other
fireground and urban hazards.

Communications — you must maintain communication with the team and ensure safety issues are discussed and addressed immediately.

Escape Routes — At least two escape routes should be agreed and made known to all relevant people. The suitability of escape routes should be reviewed continually to ensure they remain
effective.

Safety Zones — Safety zones (generally inside a structure) should be identified and made known to all relevant people. You need to consider escape time and safety zone size requirements, which
may change as fire behaviour changes.

Question 108

According to SOGs-Fire danger ratings (FDR) give an indication of the consequences of a bushfire. The higher the fire danger, the more dangerous the conditions. List the ratings.

Answer 108

No rating FBI: 0 – 11

Moderate FBI: 12 – 24

High FBI: 25 – 49

Extreme FBI: 50 – 99

Catastrophic FBI 100 +

*FBI = Fire Behaviour Index

Question 109

According to SOGs when sending radio messages, to ensure they are easy to understand and hear. How should they be formulated?

Answer 109

Be clear, concise and factual and send messages in the CAN format.

Question 110

According to SOGs - There are three strategies used during bushfires operations. Name and describe them.

Answer 110

Offensive strategy
FRNSW initiates offensive operations at bushfires. The factors that determine the success of an offensive operation are the location and size of the attack and support for the attacking crew.

Direct attack is at the fire edge to extinguish or control the flames directly, eg applying water, smothering with foam or soil, beating, or starving of fuel by raking the fuel into the fire. This then becomes the established control line.

Parallel attack is used to control the intensity of the fire. A fire line is constructed parallel to, and just far enough from the fire edge, to allow firefighters and equipment to work effectively away from heat and smoke. There are many factors that determine the distance from the edge including terrain; number of firefighters available; fire’s rate
of spread; the fire’s intensity.

Indirect attack involves falling back some distance from the fire perimeter – this could be up to a few kilometres at times – and burning back from a strong control line such as natural barriers, roads, tracks, firebreaks, or from trails or fire lines constructed.
Where a fire is too intense for direct or parallel attack eg when flame height is greater than 3 metres, spotting is occurring, or the terrain is inaccessible to firefighters, the indirect method of control may be used. If the fire’s behaviour is too severe, an indirect attack may only be possible on the flanks of the fire.

Defensive strategy
Line defence is used when conditions would normally allow an offensive attack (eg the fire is not intense, weather conditions are favourable), but there are not enough resources to mount an offensive attack in time. It involves preventing the approaching line of fire from closely approaching the property.

Ember is used when the approaching line of fire is too intense to be suppressed by offensive means and is producing significant ember attack. It involves extinguishing small fires that occur in and around buildings. Firefighters operate from safe positions behind suitable shielding from the main fire or pull back to a safer refuge, until the main fire front has passed.

Backstop is used when there is no safe defensible space around buildings; the approaching fire is so intense that firefighters cannot safely protect the buildings. Firefighters withdraw temporarily a short distance away to suitable safe refuges, with the intention of coming back after the fire passes.

Safeguarding strategy
When offensive or defensive strategies are no longer viable with intense fires under the worst conditions, the actions during safeguarding strategy, while not fire suppression, warns, escorts (moves) and protects community members to ensure their safety.

Question 111

According to SOGs - To minimise the risk of heat related illness, what is the minimum level of PPE that should be worn at a bushfire.

Answer 111

Multi-purpose coat
Duty wear trousers and belt
Multi-purpose helmet Firefighting boots and socks
Firefighting gloves
Goggles
Protective hood (carried)
Respiratory protection (P2 particle mask minimum)

Items worn underneath
Duty wear shirt
T-shirt (alternative)

Question 112

Heat stress is the most common condition which affects firefighters. It all too frequently affects their welfare, but more importantly, it affects their judgement and competence in the field. All firefighters must be able to recognise the symptoms, name three symptoms as stated in SOGs.

Answer 112

• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Nausea

Question 113

According to SOGs - The status of a bushfire is the degree to which it is under control. What terminology is to be used in radio messages and sitreps to FireCOM?

Answer 113

Going - The fire is spreading on one or more flanks, and effective control strategies are not in place for the entire perimeter.

Being Controlled - Effective strategies are in operation or planned for the entire perimeter.

Contained - The entire perimeter is behind identifiable control lines. Mop up and patrol have started.

Patrol - Firefighting resources are only required for patrol purposes and major reignition is unlikely.

Out - The fire is totally blacked out and can be removed from the list of current fires.

Question 114

According to SOGs - What acronym is used to assist ICs in remembering the factors which should be considered in an effective size-up?

Answer 114

B - Building
E - Exposures
L - Location of fire
E - Extinguishment
A - Assistance

Question 115

According to SOGs - Describe offensive and defensive firefighting strategies.

Answer 115

• Offensive – operating in close proximity to the hazards
• Defensive – operating away from the hazards

Question 116

As stated in SOGs - What does the Incident Action (IAP) usually describe?

Answer 116

The IAP describes, at any point in time, the risk assessment, strategy and objectives, incident structure, layout of the incident, and any other relevant information.

Question 117

According to SOGs - At a high-rise structure fire, what are the actions of the first arriving Station Commander?

Answer 117

First pump
The first Station Commander becomes the Sector Commander for the fire floor, establishes a Forward Control Point and commences fire operations from the floor below the fire.
The first crew will take a High-rise (Remote) Access Pack.

The Sector Commander will:

• identify the fire location from the Fire Indicator Panel (FIP), Sub Indicator Panel (SIP) or occupants
• brief the Pump Operator according to the situation. Actions may include:
  − monitor communications
  − establish BA Control
  − leave lift/fire control room/pump room keys for next arriving stations
  − send a sitrep message to the ComCen as instructed by the Station Commander and provide a sitrep to next arriving officer.
• go to the reported fire floor with the crew using the emergency lift to the floor below the fire floor—if safe to use—or the fire stairs
• familiarise the crew with floor layout
• charge a line of 38mm hose from the fire stairs or the floor below before entering the fire floor
• use the fire stairs to the fire floor
• conduct fire operations on the fire floor.

Question 118

According to SOGs - Twin bore tunnels, where traffic flows occur in separate tunnels, the tunnels are usually separated by 4-hour fire-resisting construction. Crossover passages between the tunnels are usually how many metres apart?

Answer 118

120m

Question 119

According to SOGs - List the roles of FRNSW at incidents involving bomb threats or detonations?

Answer 119

• Support NSW Police Force or the Australian Defence Force (ADF) by
  protecting life and property from the effects of fires or hazardous materials that may occur.
• Act as the lead agency in urban search and rescue (USAR) operations, if required.
• If requested, assist NSW Ambulance.

Question 120

According to SOGs - When referring to storage facilities describe-
*Bulk
*Flatbed storage
*Ventilated
*Sealed

Answer 120

Bulk - more than 4 tonnes (net), or more than 4 cubic metres of a
substance, not in individual packages.

Flatbed storage - a single level building or other structure designed for the storage of solids in bulk of more than 40 tonnes.

Ventilated - containers open to the atmosphere, including silos with explosionvents that have activated

Sealed - a grain container is sealed during fumigation and semi sealed at other times – includes semi-sealed and oxygen limiting containers.

Question 121

According to SOGs - Standards Australia refers to Breathing Apparatus (BA) as supplied air respirators. Fire and Rescue NSW uses positive pressure supplied air respirators to provide the highest level of protection. Name and describe them.

Answer 121

• Self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA).
• Extended duration breathing apparatus (EDBA): An SCBA set in twin cylinder configuration which allows firefighters to work for approximately twice the time as single cylinder SCBA.
• Airline respirator: An extension facemask with an airline supplied from a source of compressed air. These sources include:
  − Air trolley breathing apparatus (ATBA): A mobile trolley with compressed air cylinders, a valve assembly and an airline connected to an extension facemask.
  − An independent SCBA set.
  − SCBA worn by a firefighter: An extension facemask and airline worn by a second person which is attached to the auxiliary connection of an SCBA or EDBA set worn by a firefighter.

Question 122

According to SOGs - Decontamination is the process of removing contaminants from people and equipment to prevent further injury and reduce the spread of the contaminant. What are the three ways decontamination can be implemented.

Answer 122

• Standard decontamination is implemented where there is no life at risk.
• Emergency decontamination is implemented where there is a life at risk (a person is rescued from the Hot Zone), or an immediate response is
  required due to an accidental contamination.
• Mass decontamination is implemented in an unexpected and dangerous situation which must be dealt with immediately where a group of people are contaminated.

Question 123

According to SOGs When dealing with radiological incidents, the first priority is to minimise the exposure to radiation while rendering the incident safe. What are the main considerations for protecting people at radiological incidents?

Answer 123

Time – minimise the duration of exposure.

Distance – maximise the distance from the radiological source.

Shielding – maximise shielding between the radiological source and
people.

Question 124

According to SOGs - What are three types of radiation.

Answer 124

Alpha radiation
Beta radiation
Gamma rays and X-rays

Question 125

According to SOGs - Materials that contain asbestos are known as asbestos containing materials (ACM). If asbestos is encountered at an incident, as far as practical, employ dust suppression tactics and leave ACM in situ. Provide three examples of dust suppression tactics.

Answer 125

• Minimise disturbance – ie restrict salvage and overhaul work.
• Keep it lightly dampened down with fog spray.
• Apply a bonding agent such as a foam blanket or coloured PVA/water mix.
• Bag into marked asbestos containment bags.
• Wrap or cover with salvage plastic sheeting.

Question 126

Materials that contain asbestos are known as asbestos containing materials (ACM). There are generally two categories of ACM name and describe them.

Answer 126

Friable and Non-Friable

Question 127

According to Standing Orders – The minimum number of new PIPs to be completed by each platoon yearly is?

Answer 127

Four/4

Question 128

According to Standing Orders - Why does FRNSW conduct hydrant inspections?

Answer 128

• ensure that hydrants work when needed
• notify water authorities of problems with hydrants, and
• familiarise crews with hydrants in their area.

Question 129

According to the After-Action Review (AAR) Policy - AARs are held for the purpose of reviewing organisational performance, resulting in a series of observations, which are analysed to produce thematic insights. What timeframe should a Type 1 review be conducted?

Answer 129

Immediately or as soon as possible

Question 130

As stated in in the FRNSW Code of Conduct and Ethics - FRNSW has shared values with the NSW Government Sector. Name all the shared values.

Answer 130

Integrity
Service

Courage
Respect
Trust
Accountability

Question 131

According to FRNSW Policy Managing Gifts, Benefits and Hospitality Policy and Procedure - Any offer of a gift or benefit in excess of $50 or not token in nature, whether it is accepted or not, must be declared and registered with who?

Answer 131

Professional Standards

Question 132

According to the infection prevention and control manual - An infection occurs when another organism enters your body and causes disease. There are six main transmission routes, list four.

Answer 132

• Direct contact transmission with blood or body substances
• Indirect contact transmission
• Airborne transmission
• Gastrointestinal transmission

Question 133

According to SOGs - What is the unit of measurement for external radiation?

Answer 133

Sievert (Sv)
Millisieverts - mSv & Microsieverts - μSv are commonly used to measure smaller amounts of external radiation.

Question 134

According to SOGs - The risk of developing asbestos related disease depends on many factors. List three factors.

Answer 134

Concentration of exposure: Greater quantities of inhaled fibres will increase the likelihood of developing disease.

• Duration of exposure: The longer the duration you are exposed, the greater the likelihood of developing disease.
• Fibre characteristics: The type of fibres inhaled have an effect on the
  likelihood of developing disease. Shorter, straight fibres are more likely to be breathed deeper into the lungs.
• Other exposures: Exposure to other hazardous materials may compound the likelihood of developing disease. For instance, people who have smoked have a much greater likelihood of developing an asbestos-related disease.

Question 135

List and define the three zone systems as outlined in SOGs Scene Security.

Answer 135

• Hot Zone – where no personnel enter until a DRA determines appropriate actions and level of PPE.
• Warm Zone – where Fire and Rescue NSW conducts its operations.
• Cold Zone – where the Incident Control Point and support agencies
  are located and where the Police implement overall site control.
• Combat Area - The Hot and Warm Zones
• Exclusion Zone - An unsafe area where no level of PPE gives adequate protection and where nobody must enter, eg where there is a
  risk of wall collapse or an explosion.

Question 136

According to SOGs - Operators of aged care facilities have emergency plans, which include a staged evacuation plan. List the stage numbers including the stage FRNSW would likely be involved.

Answer 136

Stage 1

Stage 2 – FRNSW likely to be involved from this stage

Stage 3

Question 137

According to SOGs - During bushfire operations safeguarding strategy is not fire suppression but can be used when defensive operations are not safe. Describe the actions taken in this strategy.

Answer 137

……warns, escorts (moves) and protects community members to ensure their safety.

Question 138

According to SOGs - At a high-rise structure fire, what area provides a safe location with building communications, control equipment and plans?

Answer 138

The Fire Control Room (FCR)

Question 139

SOGs state - In some cases, mostly at larger structures and complexes it may not be appropriate to turn off power to the entire structure. List three of these structures or complexes.

Answer 139

• Industrial complex – some processes may be difficult to
  shut down.
• High-rise building – lights or lifts may be needed for evacuation.
• Health care facility – life sustaining equipment may be in use.

Question 140

According to the FRNSW smoke alarm installation procedure - When installing a smoke alarm in a residential dwelling, what is the most suitable fixing method to attach to surfaces.

Answer 140

Only heavy duty 3M brand, double sided tape.

Question 141

Suspicious substance incidents (including suspicious package incidents) are multi-agency incidents. FRNSW, the NSW Police Force and the Ambulance Service of NSW have developed multi-agency procedures to provide emergency services personnel with the knowledge, skills, and ability to ensure a consistent and safe approach for management and resolution of suspicious substance incidents. The level of risk can be identified by a colour. What are these colours?

Answer 141

Red - High Risk Incidents

Blue - Medium Risk Incidents

Green - Low Risk Incidents

Question 142

Sexual Harassment is against the law and never acceptable. FRNSW adopts the legal definition of sexual harassment as per the Anti- Discrimination Act 1977. What constitutes sexual harassment as described in the Act?

Answer 142

22A Meaning of “sexual harassment”
For the purposes of this Part, a person sexually harasses another person if—
(a) the person makes an unwelcome sexual advance, or an unwelcome request for sexual favours, to the other person, or
(b) the person engages in other unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature in relation to the other person, in circumstances in which a reasonable person, having regard to all the circumstances, would have anticipated that the other person would be offended, humiliated or intimidated.

Question 143

According to the procedure, list the requirements regarding qualifications for a full or part change of shift.

Answer 143

Replacement firefighters must have similar qualifications required to meet the needs of the position being filled on the particular shift, e.g. rescue, hazmat, pumper or aerial operator qualifications.

Duty Commanders can refuse applications for part or full change of shift if the replacement firefighter does not have the required qualifications.

Question 144

According to the procedure, arrangement for a full or part change of shift- The applicant must submit the form to their Station Commander or Supervisor at least how many hours in advance?

Answer 144

24 hours

Question 145

According to the FRNSW Act 1989, what is the definition of a hazardous material incident?

Answer 145

“hazardous material incident means an actual or impending land-based spillage or other escape of hazardous material that causes or threatens to cause injury or death or damage to property.”

Question 146

According to the NSW RFS and FRNSW Memorandum of Understanding, when responding to AFAs within the jurisdictional, responsibility of the RFS, the first arriving brigade can de activate the local alarm, who can carry out resetting of the alarm?

Answer 146

FRNSW

Question 147

According to the Toolkit - Workplace Safety- Annual Workplace Safety Inspections aim to reduce the number of safety incidents by identifying and controlling a broad range of potential hazards in FRNSW-owned or leased workplaces. When must each FRNSW-owned or leased workplace be inspected by each year?

Answer 147

by 31 May each year

Question 148

According to SOGs - When using a hydrant booster, the IC will instruct the pump operator to run the hydrant booster system in one of three modes. List and describe all three.

Answer 148

Stand by mode
1. Connect up to four 70 mm hoses from the feed or street hydrant to the collector.
2. Connect an equal number of 70 mm hoses from the deliveries to booster inlets.
3. Remove leather strap and test movement of the main wheel valve.
4. Note the reading on the booster pressure gauge.
5. Advise IC ‘Hydrant/Sprinkler booster is now in Standby mode’.
6. Await instructions from the IC to go to another mode.

9.2 Activation mode
1. Determine the required operating pressure from the IC.
2. Connect up to four 70 mm hoses from the feed or street hydrant to the collector and open the feed hydrants.
3. Connect an equal number of 70 mm hoses from the deliveries to the boost inlets and open the deliveries.
NOTE: The pump is bypassing the main wheel valve and supplying water at the same pressure
4. Remove leather strap and close the main wheel valve.
(This will prevent backflow and contamination of the public water supply)
5. Increase pressure to the required level (allow 30 kPa per floor).
6. Advise IC ‘Hydrant booster is now in Activation mode at … kPa’.
7. Maintain pressure and flow, especially when hydrant pump is running.
8. Await instructions from the IC to vary the pressure or go to another mode.

9.3 Deactivation mode
1. Reduce pressure and disengage the pump.
2. Open the main wheel valve and restore the leather strap.
3. Shut off the feed hydrants to the collectors.
4. Shut down the deliveries to the boost inlets.
5. Remove the hose.
6. Shut down the hydrant pump to further reduce pressure if required.

Question 149

According to the workplace safety toolkit - Every workplace should have a prominently displayed Health & Safety Notice Board, list all documents that should be attached?

Answer 149

SIRA Poster - If you get injured at work

Commissioner’s Safety Statement

Safety and Wellbeing Plan 2021-2022

FRNSW Return to Work Policy and Program Summary

Workplace Evacuation Diagrams

WHS Issue Resolution Flow chart Guide

NIIENM Submission Work flow

Safety information and Contacts

Safety Representatives Template

First Aid Officers Template (not necessary for stations)
Fire Warden Template (not necessary for stations)

Question 150

According to Standing Orders - Smoke screen security devices produce a barrier of dense white fog when a monitored security alarm system is activated. FRNSW may be responded to buildings where the smoke screen has been activated and mistaken for a fire. What are two things’ firefighters should consider before entering the building?

Answer 150

Firefighters should consider that:

• intruders may still be in the building;
• a real fire may have set off motion detectors and activated the smoke screen device.

Question 151

According to the Firefighters Training Manual, what is the definition of thermal capacity?

Answer 151

Thermal capacity: The amount of heat absorbed for any given increase in temperature.

Question 152

According to the Firefighters Training Manual, flash fires and dust explosions are similar in conditions. Three conditions occur in both flash fires and dust explosions. Which conditions do NOT occur in both?

Answer 152

the explosive chemical reaction must occur in a confined space.

Question 153

During a bushfire, a helicopter is carrying out hot refuelling operations to prepare for ongoing water bombing operations. According to SOGs, a designated Fire Protection Crew should follow what procedures?

Answer 153

Fire protection operations
Locate the appliance uphill, upwind and at least 50 metres from:
* the helicopter landing site
* fuel pumps and fuel storage areas
* any incident on the airbase.

During refueling, firefighters in full PPE will stand by with lines of hose charged, foam eductor attached and B Class foam ready to be inducted.

Prevent water or foam streams from hitting moving rotors as this may cause catastrophic failure of the rotors and cause serious injury or death for people nearby.

When life is not at risk, advice should be sought on how to minimise damage to the aircraft before applying foam or water streams.

When life is at risk, the NSWFB Commander should direct firefighters to apply foam to a fuel fire immediately.

Question 154

A 6-level building has a fire burning on the 3rd level. Heat smoke and fire gases are gradually rising through vertical openings and spreading to floors above the fire. As per the Firefighters Training Manual, what factors will mostly affect the levels reached by these stratified layers?

Answer 154

The more heat produced by the fire, the higherthese layers will penetrate.

Other factors affecting the levels reached by these stratified layers include:
* the type of fuel in the fire;
* size of the fire;
* size of the internal openings;
* height of the building;
* the weather

Question 155

At a 4th alarm industrial unit fire, the Incident Commander (IC) had assigned Sector Commanders, a Safety Officer and a Staging Officer with four pumps initially in Staging. The IC later requested an extra six firefighters and a Station Commander from Staging, but there was only one pump in Staging. Why was this error not identified?

Answer 155

Either:

• The Staging Officer had failed to advise the IC when spare resources in Staging are low, or fall below the number specified by the IC.

OR

• The IC was advised that resources in staging were running low and failed to request additional resources.

Question 156

You are responding to a fire call in a Scania 320 pumper through small roundabouts in wet weather and the driver reports that the vehicle’s brakes are operating independently and intermittently. In accordance with the Operations Bulletin 2014-02, what actions should be taken?

Answer 156

The ESP system cannot be disabled in Scania P320 pumpers. Scania P320 pumpers should not be driven on a surface likely to result in significant wheel slippage. If drivers of Scania P320 pumpers are continually activating the ESP system, they are travelling too quickly for the road conditions and must alter
their driving behaviour.

Question 157

According to the definitions in the STP, provide a detailed description of Hazard and Risk.

Answer 157

Hazard: A hazard is anything in the workplace that has the potential to cause harm to a person. Hazards can be an object or thing; for example, an acetylene cylinder; a hazardous manual task; or the way work is done.

Risk: A risk is the harm that may occur to a person exposed to a hazard. The level of risk is dependent on the severity of harm that may be caused and the likelihood of that harm occurring.

Question 158

You attend a 3rd Alarm structure fire, and the Incident Commander (IC) appoints you the Safety Officer. What is the Safety Officer responsible for? List five.

Answer 158

• Identify unsafe conditions or operations and report these to the IC (or Operations Officer if in place).
• Correct unsafe work practices through the appropriate
  commander. If this affects strategy and tactics, inform the IC so that
  the incident action plan can be reviewed.
• Communicate with commanders, to identify safety concerns and the control measures implemented.
• Identify hazards likely to affect the safety, health, or welfare of
  personnel. Through the appropriate commander, ensure all
  those at the incident are properly briefed on these hazards, including
  measures to eliminate, prevent, or mitigate risks.
• Assist the IC to complete the operational risk assessment and
  the risk assessment worksheet. Alternatively, conduct the
  operational risk assessment for the IC and communicate the
  assessment to the IC.
• Confirm that all health and safety systems are in place – eg
  breathing apparatus control, rehabilitation, health monitoring.
• Confirm that all utilities are identified and rendered safe.
• Confirm that all those at the incident are aware of the location
  of the hazard zone, any exclusion zones, and any other designated
  areas.
• Request the appointment of additional Safety Officers if needed.
• Maintain awareness of the incident communications plan and incident action plan.

Question 159

FRNSW use different methods to ventilate a structure. All ventilation methods require safety precautions. According to the Firefighters Training Manual, what safety precautions should you practice during vertical or trench ventilation?

Answer 159

• don’t walk on spongy roofs. Sponginess in the roof is usually a
  sign that structural members have been weakened;
• take care to prevent firefighters from sliding and falling;
• exercise caution when working near electric wires;
• ensure that firefighters making the opening are standing to the windward side of the cut and wearing the correct protective equipment;
• watch for indications of weakening structure or other hazards;
• apply extreme caution when using power tools;
• keep a firm footing;
• always have a means of retreat.

Question 160

You are performing a fire duty after a fire at a factory. The cause is yet to be determined; the Fire Investigation and Research Unit (FIRU) and Police are at work. An employee asks if he can go and retrieve some personal belongings. According to Part 3 Section 32 of the Fire Brigades Regulation 2014, what is your correct course of action?

Answer 160

32 Security on fire duty and watch duty

A firefighter on fire duty or watch duty at the site of a fire, hazardous material incident or other emergency must—

(a) ensure that—

(i) any premises at the site are not entered, and
(ii) goods are not interfered with or removed from any such premises, otherwise than by persons who can establish their identity and authority to do so, and

(b) report any breach of security to the officer in charge at the site.

Question 161

According to SOGs, as the Incident Commander, you may choose a fast attack command position. What does fast attack enable the IC to do?

Answer 161

• More fully size up the incident.
• Directly supervise the crew.
• Assist the crew with task level work if needed.
• Take advantage of the limited window of opportunity available while the incident is in its early stages.

Question 162

Hazardous chemical (Hazchem) emergency action codes provide information for the fire brigade and police on how to deal with a fire or spillage. What does the 3-digit code give basic information on?

Answer 162

The HAZCHEM Code has a two- or three-character code that
indicates the actions required in the event of a dangerous goods
incident. Extinguishing medium, PPE required and, the potential for a violent reaction and if evacuations are required.

Question 163

To extinguish a fire, we must remove one or more factors that form the fire triangle or fire tetrahedron. According to the Firefighters Training Manual, what methods are used to remove one of these factors. List four.

Answer 163

• starvation;
• smothering;
• cooling; and
• interruption of the flame chain
  reaction

Question 164

According to the Firefighters Training Manual, the use of water as an extinguishing medium on ships has some disadvantages. List three of the disadvantages.

Answer 164

• it is likely to damage cargo;
• it may react dangerously with cargo;
• it can affect a ship’s stability;
• it always presents a danger of flooding; and
• NSWFB equipment may

Question 165

According to STP - Crews operating on levels above the fire should be constantly alert for the potential of fire extension. List the actions should crews take.

Question 166

You are responded to an aircraft on a runway with smoke issuing from behind the piston engine. All passengers and crew are out. It is a radial engine. According to the Firefighters Training Manual, how does the fire risk of this engine compare to an in-line engine and what extinguishing medium would you use?

Answer 166

Radial engines present a greater fire danger compared to an in-line engine. Both are types on piston engines.

Halons or CO2 are mosteffective in controlling these fires.

Question 167

According to FRNSW Fatigue Management Procedure - Short-term fatigue management is the management of acute fatigue that may occur as a result of tasks undertaken by firefighters during work hours. As a guide, a break from these tasks should be taken how often?

Answer 167

4 hours

Question 168

You have been instructed to commence ventilation. According to the Firefighters Training Manual, when determining where ventilation needs to be carried out, what considerations need to be taken into account?

Answer 168

• the nature and proximity of exposures;
• the size of the fire;
• the seat of the fire;
• the wind and weather conditions;
• the type of building construction; and
• the presence of vertical or horizontal openings and how they may affect ventilation.

Question 169

According to SOGs, if co2 is used to extinguish a fire in an underground vault substation what is the minimum time it needs to be kept sealed within the vault?

Answer 169

Upon discharge of the gas, keep the vault closed and openings sealed for at least 20 minutes.

Question 170

According to SOGs, what is the definition of decontamination?

Answer 170

Decontamination is the process of removing contaminants from people and equipment to prevent further injury and reduce the spread of the contaminant.

Question 171

During a bushfire, your sector contains an area where trees and grass are alight under high voltage power lines. According to SOGs, what are the safe working distances and what firefighting activities can you perform?

Answer 171

Do not engage in firefighting under high voltage power lines.
* Keep people and vehicles a minimum of 25 metres clear of a fire burning under or near power lines.

• If crossing a power line easement, ensure that there is adequate clearance between the highest point of the vehicle (including aerials) and the power lines. The clearance varies between 3 and 8 metres depending on the voltage of the power lines. Avoid areas with tall vegetation under power lines.

Up to and including 132 000 Volts 3 meters
Above 132 000, up to and including 330 000 Volts 6 Meters
Above 333 000 Volts 8 meters

DC Voltage Approach distance
Up and including +/- 1500 volts 3 meters

Question 172

You need to attach a delivery to the hydrant outlet. According to the Firefighters Training Manual, hydrants have what types of deliveries?

Answer 172

• Double Delivery
• Elbow Delivery
• Standpipe Delivery

Question 173

A BA team reports to a Breathing Apparatus Control Operator (BACO) two floors below the fire floor at a high-rise structure fire. They provide their BA tallies to the BACO and proceed to the fire floor but remain in the fire stairs for ten minutes before donning BA and beginning firefighting tasks.
Ten minutes after that the BACO is trying to contact the Sector Commander urgently stating that they are running low on air when they are not. According to SOGs, what went wrong?

Answer 173

The BA wearers failed to follow the below remote entry requirement.

• BA wearer notifies the BACO when they don their facemask and begin using their air supply.

Question 174

According to SOGs, there are five members of a decontamination team. Name all members.

Answer 174

• Decontamination Officer
• Wash Operator
• Wash Assistant
• Disrobe Assistant
• Pump Operator

Question 175

At an incident, fire crews believe accelerants may have been used. According to Standing Orders, what are possible signs of accelerant use?

Answer 175

• characteristic burn pattern,
• indication of fire trailers,
• rapid fire development inconsistent with available combustible materials,
• unusual odours, or
• damage to building consistent with a vapour explosion.

Question 176

You are in charge of firefighters providing fire protection during helicopter refuelling. You instruct them to wear full PPE. According to SOGs, what full PPE will they wear?

Answer 176

• full structural firefighting ensemble, including helmet and gloves
• flash hood
• SCBA
• ear plugs.

NOTE: NSWFB supplied ear plugs provide sufficient hearing protection when standing
by with hoselines at least 50 metres from aircraft. Ear muffs are not
recommended as they interfere with wearing helmets.

Question 177

Under the FRNSW Act 1989, define flammable matter?

Answer 177

“flammable matter” includes–

(a) any substance capable of ignition or combustion by the application of heat, by means of sparks or spontaneously, and

(b) any substance prescribed as flammable for the purposes of this definition.

Question 178

According to SOGs- Bushfire classes are determined by the level of resources committed to the fire, and its potential impact on the community, economy, essential infrastructure, and not its size. Describe a Class 3 bushfire?

Answer 178

A major bushfire or fires where an appointment is made or is imminent under the provisions of Section 44 of the Rural Fires Act 1997.

Question 179

In relation to toxic chemicals, what are the four main types of military warfare agents?

Answer 179

• G-Series nerve agents
• V-Series nerve agents
• Blistering agents
• Incapacitating agents

Question 180

You are first arriving Station Commander at a fire to find smoke issuing from a single level house. You have not conducted a 360° size up but have given your crew initial tasks. What actions would most assist in formally assuming command?

Answer 180

Send an initial radio report to FireCOM, confirm that an IC is in place, and name command (following the naming convention).

Assume Fast Attack command and conduct a 360 size up.

Send a 360 complete follow up message to FireCOM with any relevant further details.

Question 181

You respond to a High-Rise building. According to SOGs, High Rise buildings are generally described by what characteristics?

Answer 181

High-rise buildings are generally described as being more than 25 metres high or having more than 10 levels.

Question 182

According to the Firefighters Training Manual, what conditions should be determined before carrying out ventilation?

Answer 182

• the seat of the fire has been located;
• crews are ready to enter with charged hose lines;
• back-up crews are ready to enter; and
• communications have been established amongst all crews.

Question 183

You are the Incident Commander at a hazardous materials incident and find wastewater coming from an adjoining business is entering the Hot Zone and spreading contaminants. You order this water supply to be shut off, but the business owner next door complains that he will lose money by shutting down production. What are your general powers in this situation as stipulated under the FRNSW Act?

Answer 183

(1A) At the site of a hazardous material incident, the officer in charge—

(a) may take such measures as the officer thinks proper for the protection and saving of life and property, for confining and ending the incident and for rendering the site safe, and

(b) is to control and direct the operations of any fire brigade.

The site is taken to be such area in the vicinity of the incident as is for the time being determined by the officer in charge.

Question 184

FRNSW incident management is consistent with the Australasian Inter-service Incident Management System (AIIMS). What are the key principles of AIIMS?

Answer 184

• Flexibility
• Management by objectives
• Functional management
• Unity of command
• Span of control

Question 185

According to SOGs, Describe the term “All Clear.”

Answer 185

Search and rescue have been completed and the Incident
Controller is satisfied that all occupants have been accounted for.

Question 186

You are the Incident Commander at a large factory fire. There are 8 pumps code 3 at the incident. According to SOGs, list two combinations could you allocate these pumps to achieve three-deep deployment?

Answer 186

Combination 1: 4 pumps in hot zone, 1 pump as on deck crew, 3 pumps in staging.

Combination 2: 5 pumps in hot, 1 pump as on deck crew, 2 pumps in staging.

Question 187

FRNSW is committed to achieving the principles and requirements of the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Policy, to achieve this what are all employees responsible for?

Answer 187

• Creating a culturally safe workplace environment which is free from discrimination and everyone is valued and treated with respect;
• Working collaboratively to recognise and appreciate equity, diversity and inclusion;
• Identifying and addressing any form of discrimination in the workplace

Question 188

According to the Transfer and Mobility Policy, list the reasons permanent Officers and Firefighters may seek transfer or be transferred to other locations.

Answer 188

1. Career development
2. Operational capability (skills and qualifications development)
3. Compassionate issues/staff welfare
4. Location based transfers
5. Performance /disciplinary

Question 189

According to the Firefighters Training Manual, what does the term latent heat of vaporisation refer to?

Answer 189

The amount of heat required to vaporise a unit weight of the extinguishing medium.

Question 190

According to the Firefighters Training Manual, water is drawn from various types of water mains. Name the types of mains.

Answer 190

• trunk mains
• distributary mains
• reticulation mains

Question 191

Insulated Sandwich Panels (ISPs), especially those with Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) cores can create an extremely hazardous environment for firefighters and may force adoption of a defensive strategy from an early stage.
According to SOGs, what are the reasons for this?

Answer 191

If the fire involves ISPs, use a defensive strategy. The rate of fire development— much of which occurs within the cavities and is not visible—renders standard structural firefighting tactics unsafe or ineffective.

Question 192

According to the Firefighters Training Manual, what are the main types of aircraft?

Answer 192

• civil;
• military; and
• helicopters (civil and military).

Question 193

According to SOGs, when responding into a Rural Fire District, when are you required to send a Code 6?

Answer 193

• A Code 6 must be transmitted:

− Immediately it becomes apparent to the Officer-in-Charge (OIC) of an FRNSW appliance that they have received a call to an incident located within a Rural Fire District, or

− With the Code 1 (responding) message if it is known at the time of the call that the incident is in a Rural Fire District.

Question 194

According to Operations Bulletin 2023-02. List the risk management measures that should be taken when attending incidents involving hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles (FCEV).

Answer 194

• Conduct atmospheric monitoring with a four head gas detector for LELs to detect if hydrogen is leaking.
• Use a thermal imaging camera (TIC) to identify if hydrogen fire is present.
• Conduct thermal checks on the battery using a TIC to determine whether thermal runaway may be occurring within the lithium-ion battery. Increasing temperature is an indication that a thermal runaway event may be occurring. If so, use a hose stream to cool.
• Establish an exclusion zone (minimum 15 m) around any hydrogen FCEV incident.

Question 195

The operation (or non-operation) of the pressure relief valve on an LPG storage or transport container does not necessarily mean that a BLEVE is imminent. However, if the valve is operating on an LPG storage container that has no odorant and is labelled accordingly the internal pressure of the cylinder may be rising. According to the Firefighters Training Manual, what are indicators of a possible BLEVE?

Answer 195

• any increase in the noise level from the pressure relief valve; or
• any sign of bulging or blistering on the outside of the tank or cylinder.

Question 196

In accordance with SOGs, when developing objectives, strategies and tactics what should be considered?

Question 197

You are the Officer in Charge at a hazardous materials incident, and the site manager is failing to cooperate. You advise the site manager of your authority to enter and operate under the FRNSW Act, what does it state?

Answer 197

12 Investigation of reported fires and hazardous material incidents

(1) The officer in charge may, with or without members of a fire brigade, enter any place—

(a) in respect of which an alarm of fire is raised to ascertain whether there is a fire at the place, or

(b) in respect of which a report of a hazardous material incident has been made to ascertain whether there is any hazardous material at the place that is, or is about to be, the subject of a hazardous material incident.

(2) Reasonable force, whether by breaking down gates or fences or breaking open doors or otherwise, may be used to gain entry.

Question 198

According to the Toolkit - Conduct - Respectful Workplaces, Clear communication is one of the best ways to build a respectful workplace and to avoid conflict. What is the tool that will help employees to communicate clearly when addressing difficult topics.

Answer 198

Straight Talk

Question 199

According to the Toolkit - Mental fitness- What program offers an external service that provides professional and confidential counselling/coaching to help you with challenges, issues or concerns that may be affecting you at work or home.

Answer 199

Employee Assistance Provider (Converge International) - 1300 687 327

Question 200

According to SOGs - During the de-escalation of an incident, at what stage is command terminated?

Answer 200

• Command is only terminated when the last resource leaves the incident.

Question 201

What are principles of situation evaluation in incident management?

Answer 201

• The Incident Commander (IC) must identify a set of critical factors – ie elements that, if not dealt with rapidly, could cause expansion of the incident or a threat to firefighters or others – and process them into an
  incident action plan (IAP).
• The IC can only deal with 3-7 critical factors at any one time. If there are more than this, consider expanding the incident structure so that delegation can occur.
• Collecting and evaluating information may start before arriving on scene.
• Once on scene, further information is collected and rapidly evaluated via an initial size up from the vehicle. Whenever possible, the IC should collect additional information via a 360 degree size up.
• Critical factors must be communicated to FireCOM.
• The IC should continually collect information during the incident from commanders and other external sources such as onsite experts, Bureau of Meteorology, and other agencies.
• Critical factors may change rapidly as the incident evolves. The IAP must be modified as critical factors change.
• The IC’s initial size up and decision-making about critical factors may need to be rapid. Once the incident is contained, the IC should take a more
  deliberate approach.
• Situation evaluation only ends when command is terminated.
• Anyone at the incident may collect information regarding critical factors. These need to be communicated to the IC. Critical safety concerns can be
  addressed immediately if required, before informing the IC.

Question 202

According to Recommended Practice, state why the thermal imaging camera may or may not be suitable for use in a flammable atmosphere.

Answer 202

TICs are not intrinsically safe. Do not use these tools in potentially flammable atmospheres.

If there is a possibility a flammable atmosphere exists, use a gas detector to monitor lower explosive limit (LEL). If an LEL reading greater than zero is obtained, the TIC must be removed from the Hot Zone.

Question 203

According to SOGs - A major goal for the IC is to develop an Incident Action Plan for the incident. What is an incident action plan?

Answer 203

An Incident Action Plan (IAP) is the plan developed by the IC that describes, at any one point, how the IC plans to resolve or control the incident.

The IAP usually describes:
* The risk assessment.

• The strategy and objectives, including notes relating to critical factors.
• The incident structure, showing the resources being used or needed.
• The layout of the incident (mud map).
• Any other information relevant to resolve or control, such as incoming resources.

Question 204

According to SOGs - What are the terms used in an initial radio report, to indicate the size of a structure at a fire incident.

Answer 204

The terms are defined in terms of hose lay as follows:

• Small – One hose lay can cover the entire structure.
• Medium – One hose lay can cover 75% of the structure.
• Large – One hose lay will cover 50% of the structure.
• Very large – One hose lay will cover 25% of the structure.
• Mega – One hose lay will cover 10% of the structure.

1 hose lay = 50m

Question 205

As stated in SOGs - Example -Initial radio report - The initial radio report (IRR) is sent by the first arriving officer to FireCOM. It time-stamps command, confirms and identifies the IC, and records initial details about the incident. It should be in Conditions, Actions, Needs (CAN) format and should include-

Answer 205

• Confirmation of address.
• Conditions: Brief description of the incident; obvious critical factorsincluding hazards.
• Actions: Initial incident action plan (IAP); assumption of command and naming of incident; strategy.
• Needs: Increase of alarm level as per the Alarm Response Protocol (ARP), or, in areas where this does not operate, request for particular resources as per local arrangements (FireCOM will confirm the availability of requested resources).

Question 206

According to Standing Orders - The Community Activities Reporting System (CARs) is the platform for reporting community activities engaged in at a station level and by our other specialist units. Who is authorised to enter completed activities in CARs.

Answer 206

Any member of the crews participating in the activity can complete the report, provided that they have direct knowledge of the information they are submitting. As with AIRS, only one report is required per activity attended, even where multiple stations were involved.

Question 207

According to FRNSW Cyber Security policy - Employees are responsible to protect the information they use and manage as part of their daily job. Employees are expected to complete Cyber Security Awareness Training how often?

Answer 207

Annually

Question 208

According to the Bushfire Hazard reduction procedure - There are two types of broad area prescribed burns. What are they?

Answer 208

• Simple Prescribed Burn
• Complex Prescribed Burn

Question 209

According to the Bushfire Hazard reduction procedure - Pile burns may be carried out by FRNSW to dispose of vegetation resulting from what activities?

Answer 209

• removal of bushfire fuels
• bush regeneration/weed removal from authorised activities eg Landcare on behalf of local council
• agricultural activities.

Question 210

According to the Bushfire hazard reduction policy - List occasions when prescribed burning conducted by FRNSW is not permitted in a fire district.

Question 211

According to CASE STUDY 2023-06 on the Intranet, four firefighters injured by unauthorised equipment - During 2020-2021, four firefighters required treatment in hospital after being injured by unauthorised equipment that had been brought into FRNSW workplaces. What is FRNSWs definition of unauthorised equipment as described in the case study?

Answer 211

Unauthorised equipment is any item which is purchased,
introduced, or used within an FRNSW workplace that has not first met the requirements of the Procurement Manual.

This includes equipment which has not been obtained via the Electronic Supply Catalogue (ESCAT) or through an approved Request Purchase Order (RPO)

Question 212

When conveying sensitive information on an open channel what should be considered as listed in SOGs?

Answer 212

2.8 Protect sensitive information

2.8.1 Don’t send sensitive information across an open channel. Many non-NSWFB people monitor radio transmissions.

2.8.2 Messages containing details of injuries, fatalities or personal information should be sent by alternative means of communication such as mobile phone, GRN private call facility, or face-to-face.

2.8.3 Be sensitive to the feelings of non-operational personnel or members of the public who may overhear messages. Ensure that outside speakers on appliances are turned off if sensitive information is being sent e.g. fatalities.

Question 213

According STP - Who must give consent for PIP inspections to be conducted on a premises?

Answer 213

There is no legislated power of entry into a building when conducting a PIP inspection. PIP inspections shall only be conducted with the consent of the building owner or occupier of the building and in accordance with FRNSW standing orders.

Question 214

According to Six Minute Intensive Training-Door entry - What are the door entry techniques that can be used with the Halligan tool?

Answer 214

• Inward Adze Roll Technique
• Fork Drive
• Outward Adze (drive and steer)

Question 215

According to Six Minute Intensive Training-Door entry - What are the five steps to forcing a door?

Answer 215

1. Size up - Assess how urgent the situation is. If it is not time critical, consider passive ways of making entry- Through a window, wait for keys etc. Conduct 360 of premises, trying all windows and doors.
2. Gap – Usually starting with the Adze blade, work the tool between the door and door stop or door frame to create a workable gap. A second fire fighter may be required with sledge axe to “strike” Halligan tool to get a
   start.
3. Set – With a gap established between the door and frame (a wedge may be required), manoeuvre tool to complete the forced entry. This could be the Adze or fork end of the tool, depending on situation.
4. Force- Final action to defeat the lock. Using the mechanical advantage leverage of the tool to complete the spread. Two fire fighters may be required for some doors.
5. Control – Open the door in such a way so as not to have an adverse effect on the situation. Use Adze on Halligan to hook the back of the doorto pull closed.

Question 216

According to Six Minute Intensive Training - Search and rescue during firefighting operations - During Firefighting Operations, what does fire attack crew never ignore?

Answer 216

GOLDEN RULE: FIRE ATTACK crew never ignores a
casualty, SEARCH & RESCUE crew never ignores a fire.

Question 217

According to Six Minute Intensive Training – Search and rescue during firefighting operations-The objective of a search is to confirm an ALL CLEAR, this is usually broken into what two components?

Answer 217

The PRIMARY SEARCH is rapid and systematic, usually carried out simultaneously with fire attack, if fire conditions and crew response allow.

A SECONDARY SEARCH is more thorough and methodical, undertaken to confirm casualties have not been missed. The secondary search is often conducted once Fire control has been achieved and at times can be done
simultaneously with ventilation.

Question 218

According to SOGs - Describe the terms withdraw and abandon as used by the IC to indicate to crews the urgency required to move from offensive to a defensive strategy.

Answer 218

• Withdraw – this indicates that firefighters have enough time to exit the structure or the position they are working in, with all their equipment, in a controlled manner. It is usually given by the IC in response to a tactical CAN report. An example of a message given to a Sector Commander or crew could be: Sector Commander Bravo we are changing strategy to defensive for the entire structure withdraw all crews and report PARS on exit. If there is more than one sector then this would be conveyed to allsectors.
• Abandon – this indicates that there is an immediate threat to firefighter lives and the firefighters must exit the structure or position they are working in immediately and only bring equipment with them if it will not compromise
  their safety. This could be that a fire has rapidly escalated, wall collapse is imminent, or a trench is about to collapse. An example of a message is: All sectors roof collapse imminent we are going to a defensive strategy abandon your positions and report if you do not have a PAR. The term abandon should be the exception rather than the rule.

Question 219

As stated in Six Minute Intensive Training – Search and rescue during firefighting operations - What signs would indicate it’s time to withdraw?

Answer 219

• Worsening fire/smoke conditions
• Signs of structural collapse (see STP 33Z)
• Previously unknown hazards e.g. Acetylene
• Emergency Radio Message signaling:
  o Loss of PAR
  o Change to a Defensive Strategy via an order from the I.C. to Withdraw or Abandon

Question 220

According to Safety Bulletin 2023-03 TIC lanyard entanglement risk - If the TIC needs to be handed between members of firefighting or search and rescue teams what is the safest method to pass to the front firefighter?

Answer 220

“it is safest to do so around the side of the body of the front firefighter and not over the shoulder.”

Question 221

According to Six Minute Intensive Training, what is the purpose of placing an appliance in the fend off position?

Answer 221

• It uses the appliances bulk and visibility to form a physical barrier protecting FRNSW personnel, other emergency services and patients from oncoming traffic.

Question 222

According to the SIMS worksheet - Warning gear is used to mark off incidents sites and warn the public that FRNSW operations are nearby. As listed on the worksheet list three forms of warning gear.

Answer 222

• Eflare or strobe kit
• Hazard Ahead sign
• Barrier and hazmat Hot Zone tape
• Witch’s hats
• Breakdown road triangles.

Question 223

According to the SIMS Worksheet - All extinguishers are inspected and serviced by who and at what timeframes?

Answer 223

a competent person six monthly, annually and five yearly

Question 224

According to STP - What removal technique provides a time efficient technique that removes an unconscious or decreased level of consciousness firefighter from their equipment providing access for assessment and further medical intervention?

Answer 224

The Mayday Drag

Question 225

According to SOGs when responded to a Community First Responder incident and the patient refuses care. What should you do?

Answer 225

• If care is refused, observe the patient until the ambulance arrives.
• Assume an unconscious patient wants assistance.
• If a patient previously refusing treatment loses consciousness, treat them.

Question 226

According to Recommended practice - To ensure visibility, firefighters must always wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when working on roadways. List the PPE that can be used.

Answer 226

Must be high visibility.

• Structural Firefighting jacket and over trousers.
• Multipurpose jacket
• Bushfire jacket
• Duty wear trousers
• High visibility vest

Question 227

According to SOGs - Occasionally, FRNSW personnel may have to prepare a helicopter landing site. List the points to be considered when doing this.

Answer 227

• position the landing site in an area 30 m x 30 minimum, on solid, level ground away from power lines or wires, and clear of trees or similar obstacles
• mark the corners of the landing site by placing a firefighter at each corner and cordon off to prevent unauthorised entry. Do not use tape or loose materials
• clear all loose debris from the area, e.g. paper bags, cigarette cartons, aluminium cans etc, and secure all NSWFB equipment near the landing site
• in dry, dusty conditions, the landing site may require wetting down to maintain visibility during landing and take off.

Question 228

According to SOGs - Structure Fires in Rural Fire Districts- Where FRNSW is requested to assist the NSW RFS at a structure fire in a rural Fire District who will be the Incident Controller?

Answer 228

The RFS senior officer

Question 229

According to Recommended practice, list four safety precautions when using extension ladders.

Answer 229

1. The maximum number of persons permitted on the ladder at any time is two.
2. Exercise care when ascending and descending ladders.
3. Firefighters climbing the ladder must ensure they have 3 points of contact on the ladder. A point of contact is either a hand holding a rung, or a foot firmly placed on
   a rung.
4. An firefighter must always foot the ladder by standing on the anti-slip feet and holding either the rungs or the handles when anybody is on the ladder.
5. Maintain a working angle of 4:1. For every 4 metres the head of the ladder extends up the wall, the base of the ladder must be a metre from the wall. If the head extends 8 metres up the wall, the base must be 2 metres from the wall, etc.

Question 230

According to SOGs - When must Level 1 or Level 2 Rehabilitation be considered?

Answer 230

• Level 1 Rehab – recommended for small incidents not requiring the response of a specialist incident ground rehabilitation capability. Level 1 Rehab uses equipment carried on front line firefighting appliances. Generally, the Incident Controller (IC) manages Level 1 Rehab.
• Level 2 Rehab – recommended for:
  − long duration incidents
  − in circumstances where crew rotation is limited
  − hot and dry, or cold and wet, conditions
  − where working conditions are arduous
  − where breathing apparatus usage and rotation is high, or
  − where conditions are such that specialist incident ground rehabilitation
  capabilities are required.
  Generally, the IC appoints a dedicated Rehabilitation Officer for these incidents.

Question 231

According to SOGs - What two items do FRNSW use that lays out safe working practices to manage the safety of firefighters at incidents?

Question 232

According to SOGs - There are many aspects to ensuring safety at an incident, from the IC implementing the correct strategy, down to the firefighters wearing the right PPE for their assigned tasks. Incident safety can therefore be described in terms of what three levels?

Answer 232

Individual – task level
Commanders – tactical level
IC – strategic level

Question 233

Describe the term Short Term Exposure Limit (STEL).

Answer 233

The short term exposure limit (STEL) is the maximum concentration of a substance to which a worker may be exposed for no more than 15 minutes, 4 times a day over an 8 hour day with 60 minutes between exposures.

Question 234

According to SOGs - What safety related worksheet is used as method of documenting hazards or risks and control measures at an incident?

Answer 234

Incident safety worksheet